Rob Kempinski wrote:

 Short version - I've been making planes from my own castings.

 Some of his observations: - you can never have enough draft, particularly for a
 tall part. - no sharp internal corners. - make a simple tool from a piece of st
eel to shape the fillet radii - use pattern boards, it makes the process less ex
pensive. 

appreciation of making things with your hands.   Something that appears to be on
 the decline in America... Oops, sorry, I digress.   When I delivered the patter
ns, the foreman seemed impressed.   He actually offered me a job as a pattern ma
ker.   That was a hoot.   Hmmm, I wonder what it pays? 

There is nothing more gratifying than being recognized for your work by people t
hat know what good work is.

 Anyway, that's it for adventures in pattern making.   Don't forget to join our 
host for the next exciting episode - metal working in a wood working shop. (If I
 can find my way past the metal chips.) 

I really enjoyed this.   I found your little adventure pretty fascinating.   BTW
 you make any extra castings?

Just as a little aside, Keith DeGrau and I went to Pete's Maple Sale last week. 
Because of the rain, the turnout was light, but there was a silver lining in thi
s for us.   Pete's father Paul, has a complete foundry under his barn.   He was 
kind enough to give Keith and I a very thorough tour of it, as well as the whole
 process of casting.   I promise I'll write moer about later,   I've just been a
 little busy.

Jake

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